CN112469318A

CN112469318A - Vacuum cleaner with reconfigurable weight distribution

Info

Publication number: CN112469318A
Application number: CN201980048972.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰森·B·索恩; 山姆·刘; 徐凯; 亚当·乌迪; 丹尼尔·J·英尼斯; 尼古拉·彼得洛夫; 安德烈·D·布朗
Original assignee: Shangconing Home Operations Co ltd
Current assignee: Shangconing Home Operations Co ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-25
Filing date: 2019-05-24
Publication date: 2021-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-24
Also published as: US20190357740A1; US11051668B2; WO2019227045A1; CN112469318B

Abstract

A vacuum assembly having a hand vacuum configuration and a wand vacuum configuration may include a dirt cup, a suction motor fluidly coupled to the dirt cup, and a power source. The suction motor and the power source are switchable between a wand vacuum position and a hand vacuum position. The dirt cup, the suction motor and the power source may be arranged in series when the suction motor and the power source are in the wand vacuum position. The suction motor and the power source may be arranged in parallel with the dirt cup when the suction motor and the power source are in the hand vacuum position.

Description

Vacuum cleaner with reconfigurable weight distribution

Cross reference to related applications

The benefit of U.S. provisional application serial No. 62/676,640 entitled "Vacuum Cleaner with Reconfigurable Weight Distribution (Vacuum Cleaner having Reconfigurable Weight Distribution)" filed on 25/5/2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to surface treating appliances, and more particularly, to vacuum cleaners having reconfigurable weight distribution.

Background

Surface treatment apparatuses may include stick (or stick) vacuums and hand (hand-held) vacuums. The wand vacuum cleaner may include a wand and may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a surface cleaning head having, for example, one or more agitators (e.g., a brushroll). The hand vacuum cleaner may be configured as a hand vacuum cleaner having an airflow path extending into a dirty air inlet of the hand vacuum cleaner. In some cases, the handheld vacuum cleaner may be configured to be coupled to one or more accessories (e.g., a crevice tool or a wand).

Drawings

These and other features and advantages will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a surface treating apparatus having a vacuum assembly with a suction motor and power supply of the vacuum assembly in a wand vacuum position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is another schematic side view of the surface treating appliance of fig. 1 with the suction motor and power supply of the vacuum assembly in a hand vacuum position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a surface treating apparatus having a vacuum assembly with its suction motor and power supply in a wand vacuum position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is another side perspective view of the surface treating apparatus of fig. 3 with the suction motor and power source in a hand vacuum position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the vacuum assembly of fig. 3 with the suction motor and power source in a hand vacuum position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is another perspective view of the vacuum assembly of figure 5 with the dirt cup of the vacuum assembly removed therefrom in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is another perspective view of the vacuum assembly of fig. 5 with the power source and the post-motor filter removed from the vacuum assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the vacuum assembly of fig. 6 taken along plane VIII-VIII according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum assembly of figure 3 showing an airflow path when the suction motor and power supply are in the wand vacuum position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum assembly of fig. 3 showing an airflow path when the suction motor and power supply are in a hand vacuum position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the surface treating device of fig. 3 in a storage position with the vacuum assembly in a wand vacuum position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates another perspective view of the surface treating device of FIG. 11 in a storage position with the vacuum assembly in a hand vacuum position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of a surface treating apparatus having a vacuum assembly with a suction motor and power supply of the vacuum assembly in a wand vacuum position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 is another schematic side view of the surface treatment apparatus of fig. 13 with the suction motor and power source in a hand vacuum position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of the vacuum assembly of figure 13 with a dirt cup of the vacuum assembly separated therefrom in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 is a schematic side view of an example of the surface treatment apparatus of fig. 13, wherein the suction motor and power source are movable in a direction along the wand of the surface treatment apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17A is a schematic side view of an example of a vacuum assembly of the surface treatment apparatus of fig. 16, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17B is another schematic side view of an example of a vacuum assembly of the surface treatment apparatus of fig. 16, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of an example of the surface treatment apparatus of FIG. 13 with a wand having a joint that is switchable between an in-use position and a storage position, wherein the joint is in the storage position and the suction motor and power source are in a hand vacuum position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure

Fig. 19 is another schematic side view of the surface treatment apparatus of fig. 18 with the adapter in a storage position and the suction motor and power source in a wand vacuum position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure generally relates to a surface treating appliance reconfigurable between a wand (or stick) vacuum mode and a hand (or hand-held) vacuum mode. When the surface treatment apparatus is reconfigured between the wand vacuum mode and the hand vacuum mode, the position of the center of gravity of the surface treatment apparatus can be adjusted. For example, when the surface treating apparatus is switched to the hand vacuum mode, the center of gravity may be displaced in a direction towards a handle of the surface treating apparatus. As another example, when the surface treating apparatus is switched to the wand vacuum mode, the center of gravity may be displaced in a direction away from the handle. By changing the position of the center of gravity, the force applied to the operator of the surface treating apparatus may be adjusted based on the mode in which the surface treating apparatus is operating.

In some embodiments, a surface treating appliance may include a vacuum assembly having a suction motor, a power source, a dirt cup, and a handle. The suction motor and power supply may be configured to pivot relative to the dirt cup such that the suction motor and power supply transition between a wand vacuum position and a hand vacuum position. The suction motor, the power supply, and the dirt cup are arranged in series along the first axis when the suction motor and the power supply are in the wand vacuum position. The suction motor and power source are disposed along a second axis spaced from the first axis when the suction motor and power source are in the hand vacuum position. The second axis may extend substantially parallel to the first axis. Thus, when the suction motor and power source are in the hand vacuum position, the suction motor and power source are positioned proximate the handle. Thus, in response to the suction motor and power source being switched to the hand vacuum position, the center of gravity of the vacuum assembly is shifted toward the handle. Thus, the center of gravity of the surface treating apparatus is positioned closer to the handle. Such a configuration may make it easier for an operator of the surface treating device to reach a location above the ground surface (e.g., by reducing the force applied to the operator's wrist).

Fig. 1 and 2 show a schematic example of the surface treatment apparatus 100. As shown, the surface treatment apparatus 100 includes: a surface treatment head 102; a rod 104 coupled to the surface treating head 102 and extending from the surface treating head 102; and a vacuum assembly 106 coupled to the wand 104 such that the vacuum assembly 106 is fluidly coupled to the surface treating head 102. The vacuum assembly 106 is configured to transition between a wand vacuum configuration (e.g., as shown in fig. 1) and a hand vacuum configuration (e.g., as shown in fig. 2).

The vacuum assembly 106 may be separate from the wand 104 so that, for example, the surface treating apparatus 100 may be used in a hand vacuum mode. When detached from the wand 104, the vacuum assembly 106 may be configured to couple to one or more fittings. For example, the vacuum assembly 106 may be configured to be coupled to a crevice tool. In some cases, one or more fittings may be coupled to the wand 104 such that the vacuum assembly 106 may be coupled to one of the one or more fittings without the operator having to physically contact the corresponding fitting.

The vacuum assembly 106 includes a body 108, a dirt cup 110, a suction motor 112 and a handle 114. The suction motor 112 is configured to generate a suction force that draws air through the dirty air inlet 116 of the surface treating head 102, through the wand 104, into the dirt cup 110 and through the suction motor 112. In some cases, the vacuum assembly 106 may include a power source 118 coupled to the body 108 (e.g., one or more batteries) and configured to provide power to, for example, the suction motor 112 and/or one or more agitators 120 in the surface treating head 102.

One or more of the dust cup 110, the suction motor 112, and/or the power source 118 can be coupled to the body 108. As shown, the suction motor 112 and the power source 118 can be coupled to the body 108 such that the suction motor 112 and the power source 118 can be switched/moved (e.g., pivoted) between a wand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 1) and a hand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 2). The suction motor 112 and the power supply 118 may be in the wand vacuum position when the vacuum assembly 106 is in the wand vacuum configuration, and the suction motor 112 and the power supply 118 may be in the hand vacuum position when the vacuum assembly 106 is in the hand vacuum configuration. Further, the vacuum assembly 106 may be in a wand vacuum configuration when the surface treating apparatus 100 is in the wand vacuum mode, and the vacuum assembly 106 may be in a hand vacuum configuration when the surface treating apparatus 100 is in the hand vacuum mode.

As shown in fig. 1, when the vacuum assembly 106 is in the wand vacuum configuration, the dust cup 110, the suction motor 112 and the power source 118 may generally be described as being arranged in series (e.g., aligned along a first axis 122 that extends generally longitudinally relative to the wand 104). Thus, when the suction motor 112 and power supply 118 are in the wand vacuum position, the suction motor 112 and power supply 118 extend away from the handle 114 and toward the surface treating head 102 in a direction along the wand 104. Thus, when the suction motor 112 and power source 118 are switched from the hand vacuum position to the wand vacuum position, the position of the center of gravity of the vacuum assembly 106 moves in a direction away from the handle 114. This may make cleaning in the stick vacuum mode easier.

As shown in fig. 2, when the vacuum assembly 106 is in the hand vacuum configuration, the suction motor 112 and the power supply 118 may generally be described as being in a parallel arrangement relative to the dust cup 110 (e.g., aligned along a second axis 124 that is spaced apart from the first axis 122 and that may extend generally parallel to the first axis 122 when the suction motor 112 and the power supply 118 are in the hand vacuum position). Thus, when the suction motor 112 and power supply 118 are switched to the hand vacuum position, the suction motor 112 and power supply 118 move in a direction toward the handgrip 114. Thus, in response to the suction motor 112 and the power source 118 being switched from the wand vacuum position to the hand vacuum position, the center of gravity of the vacuum assembly 106 moves in a direction toward the handgrip 114. This may make cleaning in hand vacuum mode easier.

In some cases, the suction motor 112 and power source 118 may be automatically switched between one or more of the hand vacuum position and the wand vacuum position. For example, the suction motor 112 and power source 118 may be automatically switched from the hand vacuum position to the wand vacuum position in response to the vacuum assembly 106 being coupled to the wand 104.

Fig. 3 and 4 show perspective side views of a surface treating apparatus 300, which may be an example of the surface treating apparatus 100 of fig. 1. The surface treatment apparatus 300 includes: a surface treatment head 302; a rod 304 extending from the surfacing head 302 and coupled to the surfacing head 302; and a vacuum assembly 306 coupled to the wand 304 such that the vacuum assembly 306 is fluidly coupled to the surface treating head 302 through an air channel defined within the wand 304. The vacuum assembly 306 is configured to transition between a wand vacuum configuration (e.g., as shown in fig. 3) and a hand vacuum configuration (e.g., as shown in fig. 4).

The vacuum assembly 306 includes a body 308 having a first body portion 310 configured to receive a dirt cup 316 and a second body portion 312 configured to receive at least one of a suction motor 318 and/or a power source 320. The second body portion 312 is pivotally coupled to the first body portion 310 using a hinged joint 314 such that the second body portion is configured to transition between a wand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 3) and a hand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 4). The articulation joint 314 may be damped such that rotation of the second body portion 312 relative to the first body portion 310 is controlled. For example, a washer may be included in the articulation joint 314 to increase frictional resistance to pivoting of the second body portion 312 relative to the first body portion 310. A dirt cup 316 is coupled to the first body portion 310 of the body 308 and a suction motor 318 and power source 320 (e.g., one or more batteries) are coupled to the second body portion 312 of the body 308. For example, at least a portion of the suction motor 318 and/or the power source 320 can be disposed within a cavity defined by the second body portion 312 of the body 308. Thus, when the second body portion 312 is pivoted relative to the first body portion 310, the suction motor 318 and power source 320 are switched between a wand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 3) and a hand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 4).

As shown, the body 308 includes a latch 322. When the suction motor 318 and the power source 320 are in the hand vacuum position, the latch 322 is configured to releasably couple the first body portion 310 of the body 308 to the second body portion 312 of the body 308. For example, the second body portion 312 can include a latch 322 such that the latch 322 engages at least a portion of the first body portion 310 when the suction motor 318 and the power source 320 are in the hand vacuum position. Also as shown, an assembly catch 324 can be provided to releasably couple to a corresponding assembly latch, for example, coupled to the wand 304, such that the second body portion 312 of the body 308 is substantially prevented from pivoting relative to the first body portion 310 of the body 308 when the suction motor 318 and the power source 320 are in the wand vacuum position. As shown, the assembly catch 324 can be coupled to a rear motor filter housing 325. The rear motor filter housing 325 may be integrally formed from the second body portion 312 of the body 308 or coupled to the second body portion 312. Additionally or alternatively, one or more detents may be provided (e.g., in the hinged joint 314) such that when the suction motor 318 and power source 320 are in the wand vacuum position and/or the hand vacuum position, the one or more detents prevent pivotal movement of the second body portion 312 relative to the first body portion 310.

When in the wand vacuum position, the dirt cup 316, suction motor 318 and power source 320 may generally be described as being arranged in series. Thus, when in the wand vacuum position, the first body portion 310 and the second body portion 312 of the body 308 may generally be described as being arranged in series. When arranged in series, the dirt cup 316, suction motor 318, and power source 320 may generally be described as being aligned along a first axis 326 that extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 328 of at least a portion of the wand 304. For example, the dirt cup 316, suction motor 318, and power source 320 may be centrally aligned along the first axis 326.

When in the hand vacuum position, the suction motor 318 and power source 320 may generally be described as being disposed parallel to the dirt cup 316. Thus, when in the hand vacuum position, the second body portion 312 may be generally described as being arranged parallel to the first body portion 310. When arranged in parallel, the suction motor 318 and the power source 320 may be aligned along a second axis 330 that is spaced apart from the first axis 326 and extends generally parallel to the first axis 326. For example, the suction motor 318 and the power source 320 may be centrally aligned along the second axis 330, and the dirt cup 316 may be centrally aligned along the first axis 326.

As shown in fig. 4, the vacuum assembly 306 includes a flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 332 that is configured to extend and retract in response to the suction motor 318 and the power source 320 transitioning between the wand vacuum position and the hand vacuum position. A flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 332 fluidly couples the suction motor 318 to the surface treating head 302 such that an airflow path 334 extends from a dirty air inlet 336 of the surface treating head 302, through the wand 304, into the dirt cup 316, and through the suction motor 318. Also as shown, an airflow path 334 may extend from the suction motor 318 and through the power source 320. Thus, air exhausted from the suction motor 318 may be used to cool the power source 320. In some cases, the portion of the airflow path 334 extending through the power source 320 may be adjusted to better optimize cooling of the power source 320 based at least in part on whether the suction motor 318 and power source 320 are in a hand vacuum position or a wand vacuum position (e.g., using one or more adjustable flaps/vents).

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the surface treating device 300 in a hand vacuum mode. When in the hand vacuum mode, the vacuum assembly 306 is separated from one or more of the surface treating head 302 and/or the wand 304. For example, and as shown, the vacuum assembly 306 is separate from the wand 304 and the surface treating head 302. As such, one or more vacuum fittings (e.g., crevice tool or brush) may be coupled at the vacuum assembly inlet 502. Also as shown, when in the hand vacuum configuration, the suction motor 318 and power source 320 may be pivoted to the hand vacuum position. Thus, as the suction motor 318 and power source 320 pivot toward the hand vacuum position, the center of gravity 504 of the vacuum assembly 306 moves toward the handle 506 of the vacuum assembly 306. This configuration may reduce operator fatigue by positioning the center of gravity 504 closer to the operator so that the force applied to the operator's wrist may be reduced.

As shown, the body 308 can include a dirt cup release 508 configured to releasably engage the dirt cup 316. As such, the dirt cup 316 may generally be described as being removably coupled to the body 308. For example, the first body portion 310 of the body 308 can include a dirt cup release 508, wherein the dirt cup release 508 includes a dirt cup release lever 510 pivotally coupled to the first body portion 310 of the body 308. Thus, when the dirt cup release lever 510 is pivoted, the dirt cup release lever 510 disengages a corresponding portion of the dirt cup 316 (e.g., the dirt cup catch 512) such that the dirt cup 316 can be slidably removed from the body 308. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in response to actuation of the dirt cup release 508, the dirt cup 316 can be slidably removed from the first body portion 310 of the body 308 in response to a force applied to the handle 506. As shown, the dirt cup 316 is slidably removed from the body 308 in response to movement in a direction generally parallel to the first axis 326. Once removed from the body 308, the dirt cup 316 may be emptied and/or cleaned.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the surface treating device 300 in a hand vacuum mode. As shown, the power source 320 is removably coupled to the second body portion 312 of the body 308. For example, the power source 320 may be separated from the second body portion 312 of the body 308 in response to the application of a force on the power release 700. The power release 700 may include a graspable actuator 702 and a power release lever 704 pivotally coupled to a power housing 706 of the power source 320. The graspable actuator 702 may be pivotally coupled to the power supply housing 706 such that the graspable actuator 702 transitions between the locked position and the released position in response to being grasped by an operator. In response to pivoting of the graspable actuator 702, the power release lever 704 pivots between a locked position (e.g., the power release lever 704 engages a corresponding portion of the second body portion 312) and a released position (e.g., the power release lever 704 disengages a corresponding portion of the second body 312) such that the power source 320 can be removed from or coupled to the second body portion 312 of the body 308.

As shown, the power release lever 704 extends along at least two exterior surfaces of the power supply housing 706. For example, a first pole portion 708 of the power release lever 704 can extend along an operator facing surface 710 of the distal end of the power supply housing 706, and a second pole portion 712 of the power release lever 704 can extend along a side surface 714 of the power supply housing 706. As shown, a first pole portion 708 of the power release lever 704 extends substantially perpendicular to a second pole portion 712 of the power release lever 704. Thus, in this case, pivoting the graspable actuator 702 toward the release position causes the second lever portion 712 of the power release lever 704 to pivot in the direction of the power supply housing 706. This may, therefore, cause the second stem portion 712 of the power release lever 704 to at least partially disengage from the second body portion 312 of the body 308. Thus, the power source 320 may slide relative to the second body portion 312 of the body 308 in a direction substantially parallel to the second axis 330.

Also as shown, the post-motor filter 716 may be removed from the post-motor filter housing 325 when the power source 320 is separated from the second body portion 312 of the body 308. Thus, when the power source 320 is separated from the second body portion 312, the post-motor filter 716 may be cleaned and/or replaced. In some cases, the post-motor filter 716 may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the vacuum assembly 306 taken along plane VIII-VIII of fig. 6. As shown, the power release 700 is configured to selectively engage and disengage the power catch 802 of the second body portion 312 of the body 308. For example, and as shown, the second lever portion 712 of the power release lever 704 includes a hook 804 configured to engage the power catch 802. The hook 804 is configured to disengage the power clasp 802 in response to pivotal movement of the graspable actuator 702 toward the release position. For example, as the graspable actuator 702 pivots, an actuator cam 806 coupled to or formed by the graspable actuator 702 pushes the first lever portion 708 of the power release lever 704 in a direction away from the power supply housing 706. When the first lever portion 708 is pushed away from the power supply housing 706, the second lever portion 712 is pushed in the direction of the power supply housing 706. As such, the power supply housing 706 can define a rod cavity 808 configured to receive at least a portion of the second rod portion 712 when the graspable actuator 702 is pivoted toward the release position. Also as shown, the hook 804 may define an angled surface 810 configured to engage the power clasp 802 when the power source 320 is recoupled to the second body portion 312 of the body 308. This configuration causes the second stem portion 712 to be pushed into the stem cavity 808 in response to the power source 320 being recoupled to the second body portion 312 of the body 308. As such, the graspable actuator 702 may not need to be actuated by an operator when the power source 320 is re-coupled to the second body portion 312 of the body 308.

In some cases, a biasing mechanism may be provided that biases the second lever portion 712 in a direction away from the power supply housing 706 (e.g., in the direction of the second body portion of the body 308). The biasing mechanism may be a spring (e.g., a compression spring, an extension spring, a torsion spring, and/or any other type of spring), an elastically deformable material (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber, a foam material, and/or any other elastically deformable material), and/or any other biasing mechanism.

Although power release 700 is generally described herein as having first and

second lever portions

708, 712 extending transverse to one another, other configurations are possible. For example, the power release 700 may include a depressible button configured to be linearly depressed. The depressible button may be configured to actuate the latch, e.g., in response to being depressed, such that the power source 320 may be separated from the second body portion 312 of the body 308.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the vacuum assembly 306 with the suction motor 318 and power source 320 in the wand vacuum position. As shown, the airflow path 334 extends from the vacuum assembly inlet 902, through the vacuum assembly passage 904, and into the dirt cup 316. The dirt cup 316 may be configured such that the airflow path 334 extends cyclonic around a vortex finder 906. The cyclonic motion of the air moving along the airflow path 334 may cause at least a portion of the debris entrained within the air to be deposited within the debris receiving portion 908 of the dirt cup 316. The airflow path 334 may extend from the dirt cup 316 through the pre-motor filter 910, the flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 332, the suction motor 318, the post-motor filter 912, and the power supply 320. As shown, the power supply 320 includes a plurality of batteries 914. Each of the batteries 914 may be cooled using air exhausted from the suction motor 318. Additionally or alternatively, the power source 320 may be configured to electrically couple to a main power grid (e.g., through a household power outlet).

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the vacuum assembly 306 with the suction motor 318 and power source 320 in a hand vacuum position. As shown, the airflow path 334 extends from the vacuum assembly inlet 902, through the vacuum assembly passage 904, and into the dirt cup 316. The airflow path 334 extends from the dirt cup 316 through the pre-motor filter 910 and the flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 332, wherein the flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 332 urges air to flow along the airflow path 334 to bend such that the airflow path 334 may extend through the suction motor 318, the post-motor filter 912, and the power source 320. For example, the flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 332 may be bent approximately (e.g., within 5% of a value) 180 ° when the suction motor and power supply 320 is in the hand vacuum position. The bend introduced by the flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 332 may reduce the efficiency of the airflow path 334 when the suction motor 318 and power supply 320 are in the hand vacuum position relative to the efficiency of the airflow path 334 when the suction motor 318 and power supply 320 are in the wand vacuum position. Thus, when the suction motor 318 and power supply 320 are in the wand vacuum position, the suction force may be increased and/or the power usage may be decreased as compared to when the suction motor 318 and power supply 320 are in the hand vacuum position.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the surface treating apparatus 300, wherein the wand 304 includes a joint 1100. The fitting 1100 includes a first fitting body 1102 and a second fitting body 1104, the first fitting body 1102 being pivotally coupled to the second fitting body 1104. The first fitting body 1102 is coupled to the first rod section 1106 and the second fitting body 1104 is coupled to the second rod section 1108. A flexible joint suction hose 1110 fluidly couples the first rod section 1106 to the second rod section 1108. Thus, when the first fitting body 1102 pivots relative to the second fitting body 1104, the flexible joint suction hose 1110 extends and retracts while allowing the first rod segment 1106 and the second rod segment 1108 to remain fluidly coupled to one another. The pivoting of the first connector body 1102 relative to the second connector body 1104 may make it easier to manipulate the surfacing head 302 under a piece of furniture (e.g., by reducing the amount of bowing required by an operator to manipulate the surfacing head 302 under a piece of furniture).

In some cases, the first joint body 1102 may pivot approximately (e.g., within 5% of the value) 180 ° such that the joint 1100 transitions between the storage position and the in-use position. In contrast to the in-use position (e.g., as shown in fig. 3 and 4), the vacuum assembly 306 is positioned proximate to the surface treating head 302 when in the storage position. In other words, when transitioned to the storage position, the vacuum assembly 306 moves toward the surface treating head 302. Thus, when the surface treating apparatus 300 is in the storage position, the center of gravity of the surface treating apparatus 300 may be positioned closer to the surface (e.g., the ground) supporting the surface treating apparatus, which may increase the stability of the surface treating apparatus 300 when stored in the storage position.

As shown, when in the storage position, the suction motor 318 and power source 320 may be in the wand vacuum position. The first rod segment 1106 may include an assembly latch 1112 configured to releasably couple to the assembly catch 324. As shown, the assembly latch 1112 may include a collar 1114 extending at least partially around the first rod segment 1106 and a plurality of arms 1116 extending from the collar 1114. The arm 1116 is configured to engage the assembly catch 324. The arm 1116 may be pivotally coupled to the collar 1114 such that the arm 1116 is pushed open in response to the assembly catch 324 being pushed into engagement with the arm 1116. Thus, the arms 1116 may be urged inward in a direction toward each other using, for example, a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism may be a spring (e.g., a compression spring, an extension spring, a torsion spring, and/or any other type of spring), an elastically deformable material (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber, a foam material, and/or any other elastically deformable material), and/or any other biasing mechanism.

In some cases, the assembly latch 1112 can be configured to slidably engage the first rod segment 1106 such that the assembly latch 1112 can transition between a released position and a locked position (e.g., in response to movement in a longitudinal direction along the first rod segment 1106). When in the locked position, the assembly latch 1112 may engage the assembly catch 324, preventing the suction motor 318 and power source 320 from pivoting from the wand vacuum position to the hand vacuum position.

Additionally or alternatively, the arm 1116 may be configured to be pushed open by an operator such that the assembly catch 324 may be disengaged from the arm 1116. For example, an actuator (e.g., a button or trigger) may be configured to cause the arms 1116 to be pushed apart when actuated.

As shown in fig. 12, the vacuum assembly 306 may be in a hand vacuum position when the surface treating apparatus 300 is in the storage position. This configuration may position the center gravity of the surface treatment apparatus 300 closer to the surface treatment head 302 than if the vacuum assembly were in the wand vacuum position. Therefore, the stability of the surface treatment apparatus 300 can be improved.

Fig. 13 and 14 show a schematic example of a surface treatment apparatus 1300, which may be an example of the surface treatment apparatus 100 of fig. 1. As shown, the surface treatment apparatus 1300 includes a surface treatment head 1302, a wand 1304 coupled to the surface treatment head 1302 and extending from the surface treatment head 1302, and a vacuum assembly 1306 fluidly coupled to the surface treatment head 1302. The vacuum assembly 1306 is configured to transition between a wand vacuum configuration (e.g., as shown in fig. 13) and a hand vacuum configuration (e.g., as shown in fig. 14).

As shown, the vacuum assembly 1306 includes a body 1308, a dirt cup 1310, a suction motor 1312, and a power source 1314. The dirt cup 1310 may be removably coupled to the first body portion 1315 of the body 1308. The suction motor 1312 may be coupled to the second body portion 1316 of the body 1308, and the power source 1314 may be coupled to the second body portion 1316 of the body 1308. For example, the second body portion 1316 of the body 1308 may define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the suction motor 1312 and/or the power supply 1314.

Also as shown, the body 1308 may include a hinged joint 1318 such that the second body portion 1316 may pivot relative to the first body portion 1315. Accordingly, the second body portion 1316 may be configured to pivot between a wand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 13) and a hand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 14). As such, the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 may generally be described as being configured to transition between a wand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 13) and a hand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 14) in response to pivoting of the second body portion 1316 relative to the first body portion 1315.

The suction motor 1312 is configured to generate an airflow extending along the airflow path 1320. As shown, the airflow path 1320 extends from the dirty air inlet 1322 of the surface treating head 1302, through the wand 1304 and into the dirt cup 1310. An air flow path 1320 extends from the dirt cup 1310 through the first body portion 1315 of the body 1308, the hinged joint 1318, the second body portion 1316 of the body 1308, the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314. In other words, the suction motor 1312 is fluidly coupled to the dirt cup 1310 by one or more channels defined within the first body portion 1315 of the body 1308, the hinged joint 1318, and the second body portion 1316 of the body 1308.

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the vacuum assembly 1306 with the dirt cup 1310 separated from the vacuum assembly. As shown, the first body portion 1315 of the body 1308 may define a first air channel 1502 and a second air channel 1504 such that at least a portion of the air exiting the dirt cup 1310 flows through each

air channel

1502 and 1504 along an airflow path 1320. The first air channel 1502 and the second air channel 1504 are fluidly coupled to the suction motor 1312 by an articulated joint 1318.

Fig. 16 shows a schematic side view of an example of a surface treatment apparatus 1300. As shown, the second body portion 1316 can include a coupling 1600 having a first coupling portion 1602 and a second coupling portion 1604, the second coupling portion 1604 being removably coupled to the first coupling portion 1602, wherein at least a portion of the flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 1606 extends between the first coupling portion 1602 and the second coupling portion 1604. The second coupling portion 1604 is configured to be separated from the first coupling portion 1602 such that the flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 1606 can extend along at least a portion of the wand 1304 in response to the second coupling portion 1604 being separated from the first coupling portion 1602. The suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 may be coupled to the second coupling portion 1604 such that the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 may move along the rod 1304 with the second coupling portion 1604.

A flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 1606 fluidly couples the suction motor 1312 to the dirt cup 1310 such that the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 can be moved along the wand 1304 in a direction toward the surface treating head 1302. Thus, the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 may be positioned proximate to the surface treatment head 1302. For example, the second coupling portion 1604 may be disposed between the surface treating head 1302 and the midpoint 1608 of the rod 1304. Thus, as the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 are moved toward the surface treating head 1302, the center of gravity of the surface treating apparatus 1300 moves in the direction of the surface treating head 1302.

As shown, the retention clip 1610 couples the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 to the wand 1304 at a location proximate to the surface treating head 1302. For example, the retention clip 1610 may be coupled to the rod 1304 and may be configured to engage at least a portion of one or more of the second body portion 1316 and/or the power source 1314.

In some cases, at least a portion of the second body portion 1316 (e.g., the portion with the suction motor 1312) and/or the power source 1314 can be separate from the second coupling portion 1604. For example, the power source 1314 may be replaced with an alternative power source configured to provide more power (e.g., when the power source 1314 includes one or more batteries, the alternative power source may not include one or more batteries, and instead may be configured to couple to a power grid through a power outlet). As another example, the suction motor 1312 may be replaced with an alternative suction motor configured to provide more suction. As yet another example, the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 may be replaced at the same time as a single unit. Thus, the power supply 1314 can be optimized for the suction motor 1312 being used.

Fig. 17A shows an example of a vacuum assembly 1306 having a suction motor 1312 and a power supply 1314 in a hand vacuum position. As shown, when the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 are in the hand vacuum position, the first coupling portion 1602 is coupled to the second coupling portion 1604 such that the flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 1606 is at least partially retracted between the first coupling portion 1602 and the second coupling portion 1604. In other words, the flexible vacuum assembly suction hose 1606 can be generally described as having a storage configuration (e.g., as shown in fig. 17A) and an extended configuration (e.g., as shown in fig. 16). In some cases, the flexible vacuum assembly hose 1606 can extend at least partially within the articulated joint 1318.

Fig. 17B shows another example of a vacuum assembly 1306 having a suction motor 1312 and a power supply 1314 in a hand vacuum position. As shown, when the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 are in the hand vacuum position, the flexible vacuum assembly hose 1606 remains at least partially extended such that at least a portion of the flexible vacuum assembly hose 1606 extends in the direction of the handle 1702 of the vacuum assembly 1306 (e.g., the flexible vacuum assembly hose 1606 includes a curved portion). Thus, the second coupling portion 1604 is separable from the first coupling portion 1602 when the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 are in the hand vacuum position. Such a configuration may allow the hinge joint 1318 to be omitted such that the second body portion 1316 is not pivotally coupled to the first body portion 1315.

The first coupling portion 1602 and the second coupling portion 1604 may be coupled to one another using, for example, one or more magnets, a friction fit, one or more releasable snap fits (snap fit), one or more bayonet fittings (bayonet fitting), a threaded fit, and/or any other form of coupling.

As shown in fig. 18 and 19, the rod 1304 includes a joint 1800 configured such that the first rod segment 1802 is pivotable relative to the second rod segment 1804. For example, the joint 1800 may be configured to allow the first rod segment 1802 to pivot substantially (e.g., within 5% of a value) 180 ° in the direction of the surface treating head 1302 such that the surface treating device 1300 transitions between an in-use position (e.g., as shown in fig. 13 and 14) and a storage position (e.g., as shown in fig. 18 and 19). In some cases, joint 1800 may be configured to allow first rod segment 1802 to pivot relative to second rod segment 1804 in use. In these cases, this may allow manipulation of the surfacing head 1302 under furniture while reducing the degree of stooping required by an operator to manipulate the surfacing head 1302 under furniture. Also as shown, the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 may be in a hand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 18) or a wand vacuum position (e.g., as shown in fig. 19) when the surface treating apparatus 1300 is in the storage position. In some cases, the location of the suction motor 1312 and the power supply 1314 may expose, for example, one or more charging contacts and/or charging indicators.

An example of a vacuum assembly having a hand vacuum configuration and a wand vacuum may include a dirt cup, a suction motor, and a power source. The suction motor may be fluidly coupled to the dirt cup. The suction motor and the power source are switchable between a wand vacuum position and a hand vacuum position. The dirt cup, the suction motor and the power source may be arranged in series when the suction motor and the power source are in the wand vacuum position. The suction motor and the power source may be arranged in parallel with the dirt cup when the suction motor and the power source are in the hand vacuum position.

In some cases, the vacuum assembly may include a body having a first body portion and a second body portion. The second body portion may be pivotally coupled to the first body portion, wherein the dirt cup may be coupled to the first body portion, and the suction motor and the power source may be coupled to the second body portion. In some cases, the power source is removably coupled to the second body portion. In some cases, the power source may include a power release having a graspable actuator configured to pivot a power release lever in response to being actuated such that the power release lever disengages a corresponding portion of the second body portion. In some cases, the vacuum assembly may include a flexible suction hose configured to fluidly couple the suction motor to the dirt cup. In some cases, the flexible suction hose extends in response to the power source and the suction motor switching to the hand vacuum position.

An example of a surface treatment apparatus may include a surface treatment head, a wand, and a vacuum assembly. The rod may extend from and be coupled to the surfacing head. The vacuum assembly may be coupled to the wand such that the vacuum assembly is fluidly coupled to the surface treating head. The vacuum assembly may include a dirt cup, a suction motor, and a power source. The suction motor may be fluidly coupled to the dirt cup. The suction motor and the power source are switchable between a wand vacuum position and a hand vacuum position. The dirt cup, the suction motor and the power source may be arranged in series when the suction motor and the power source are in the wand vacuum position. The suction motor and the power source may be arranged in parallel with the dirt cup when the suction motor and the power source are in the hand vacuum position.

In some cases, the wand may include a fitting having a first fitting body and a second fitting body. The first joint body may be pivotally coupled to the second joint body. In some cases, the joint is configured to transition between an in-use position and a storage position in response to pivoting of the first joint body relative to the second joint body. In some cases, the vacuum assembly moves in a direction toward the surface treating head when the adapter is transitioned to the storage position. In some cases, the vacuum assembly may include a body having a first body portion and a second body portion. The second body portion may be pivotally coupled to the first body portion, wherein the dirt cup may be coupled to the first body portion, and the suction motor and the power source may be coupled to the second body portion. In some cases, the power source may be removably coupled to the second body portion. In some cases, the power source may include a power release having a graspable actuator configured to pivot a power release lever in response to being actuated such that the power release lever disengages a corresponding portion of the second body portion. In some cases, the second body portion may include a coupling having a first coupling portion coupled to a second coupling portion. In some cases, the vacuum assembly may include a flexible suction hose extending at least partially between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion. The flexible suction hose may be configured to extend in a direction along the wand in response to the second coupling portion being decoupled from the first coupling portion. In some cases, the vacuum assembly may include a flexible suction hose configured to fluidly couple the suction motor to the dirt cup. In some cases, the flexible suction hose may extend in response to the power source and the suction motor switching to the hand vacuum position.

An example of a vacuum assembly of a surface treating appliance may include a first body portion and a second body portion. The body portion may be configured to receive a dirt cup. The second body portion may be pivotally coupled to the first body portion such that the second body portion is configured to transition between a wand vacuum position and a hand vacuum position. The second body portion may also be configured to receive at least one of a suction motor or a power source.

In some cases, the first body portion and the second body portion may be configured such that when the second body portion is in the wand vacuum position, the first body portion and the second body portion are arranged consecutively. In some cases, the first body portion and the second body portion may be configured such that the second body portion is arranged parallel to the first body portion when the second body portion is in the hand vacuum position.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum assembly having a hand vacuum configuration and a wand vacuum configuration, comprising:

a dust collecting cup;

a suction motor fluidly coupled to the dirt cup; and

a power source, the suction motor and the power source being switchable between a wand vacuum position and a hand vacuum position, wherein:

the dirt cup, the suction motor and the power supply are arranged in series when the suction motor and the power supply are in the wand vacuum position; and is

The suction motor and the power source are arranged in parallel with the dirt cup when the suction motor and the power source are in the hand vacuum position.

2. The vacuum assembly of claim 1, further comprising a body having a first body portion and a second body portion, the second body portion pivotally coupled to the first body portion, wherein the dirt cup is coupled to the first body portion, and the suction motor and the power source are coupled to the second body portion.

3. The vacuum assembly of claim 2, wherein the power source is removably coupled to the second body portion.

4. The vacuum assembly of claim 3, wherein the power supply further comprises a power release having a graspable actuator configured to pivot a power release lever in response to being actuated such that the power release lever disengages a corresponding portion of the second body portion.

5. The vacuum assembly of claim 1, further comprising a flexible suction hose configured to fluidly couple the suction motor to the dirt cup.

6. The vacuum assembly of claim 5, wherein the flexible suction hose extends in response to the power source and the suction motor transitioning to the hand vacuum position.

7. A surface treatment apparatus, comprising:

a surface treatment head;

a rod extending from and coupled to the surface treating head; and

a vacuum assembly coupled to the wand such that the vacuum assembly is fluidly coupled to the surface treating head, the vacuum assembly comprising:

a dust collecting cup;

a suction motor fluidly coupled to the dirt cup; and

8. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 7 wherein the wand includes a joint having a first joint body and a second joint body, the first joint body pivotally coupled to the second joint body.

9. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 8, wherein the joint is configured to transition between an in-use position and a stored position in response to the pivoting of the first joint body relative to the second joint body.

10. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 9, wherein the vacuum assembly moves in a direction toward the surface treatment head when the adapter is transitioned to the storage position.

11. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 7, wherein the vacuum assembly further comprises a body having a first body portion and a second body portion, the second body portion pivotally coupled to the first body portion, wherein the dirt cup is coupled to the first body portion, and the suction motor and the power source are coupled to the second body portion.

12. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 11 wherein the power source is removably coupled to the second body portion.

13. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 12, wherein the power source further comprises a power release having a graspable actuator configured to pivot a power release lever in response to being actuated such that the power release lever disengages a corresponding portion of the second body portion.

14. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 11 wherein the second body portion includes a coupling having a first coupling portion coupled to a second coupling portion.

15. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 14, wherein the vacuum assembly further comprises a flexible suction hose extending at least partially between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion, the flexible suction hose configured to extend in a direction of the wand in response to the second coupling portion being separated from the first coupling portion.

16. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 7, wherein the vacuum assembly further comprises a flexible suction hose configured to fluidly couple the suction motor to the dirt cup.

17. The surface treatment apparatus of claim 16 wherein the flexible suction hose extends in response to the power source and the suction motor switching to the hand vacuum position.

18. A vacuum assembly of a surface treatment apparatus, comprising:

a first body portion configured to receive a dirt cup; and

a second body portion pivotally coupled to the first body portion such that the second body portion is configured to transition between a wand vacuum position and a hand vacuum position, the second body portion further configured to receive at least one of a suction motor or a power source.

19. The vacuum assembly of claim 18, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are configured such that the first body portion and the second body portion are arranged consecutively when the second body portion is in the wand vacuum position.

20. The vacuum assembly of claim 18, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are configured such that the second body portion is arranged parallel to the first body portion when the second body portion is in the hand vacuum position.